Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  My Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By goatgrl - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck! I had wanted a Ranger for a long time, and it is everything I hoped it would be. It is super comfortable to drive, and extremely reliable. I have 20000 miles on mine now, and it still runs as smoothly and quietly as the day I brought it home. I have hauled goats, hay, gone camping, and gone hot-air balloon chasing with it(through fields/woods/creeks). Everyone comments on what a sharp-looking truck it is also. If only I didnt have to "feed" it so much!

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  Short range, poor shifting troublemaker - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By ToddfromKY - December 9 - 2:00 am

  12 gallons of fuel and 20 mpg to make this the poorest range of any vehicle I have owned. These wont go over 50,000 mils on a transmission. While it is roomy and rides well, it is noisy and the poor fit of interior components makes for lots of squeaks and rattles. Buy it cheap, drive it hard, and sell it before it needs a transmission.

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  My lemon-Ranger nightmare - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By lemon_ranger - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Its always in the shop. The compressor turns on and off so fast that it makes a loud rattling noise. The inept Ford mechanics have no idea how to fix it..Ive had it to multiple dealerships. I sued ford and they settled... now it has problems starting. Im never buying a Ford again. Beware...buy an import itll hold its value better and be more reliable. Toyota would be my next choice.

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  Fantastical - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Sharron - December 8 - 4:38 pm

  Bought my Edge after a lifetime of Hondas, only wish I had sooner. Sporty look, classy interior, gas mileage grrreat in city. Holds the road so well with its solidness. Back seat very roomy and comfortable. Drove across USA the first week I bought the Edge; couldnt have performed better. A+

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  Good Truck.... - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Jesus - December 8 - 2:16 am

  Truck runs pretty good. I got mine used but it runs very well. The only thing is that its too sluggish when it come to accelerating from being stopped when compared to, say the Toyota. After its starts moving it moves. Design-wise its pretty good, thats why I bought it instead of getting the Toyota Tundra which has a plain interior design. The right is really smooth and quiet. I wish that they would of put in an engine with more horsepower to make up for the additional weight.

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  Hey Eddie - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By MANDINGO - December 8 - 2:00 am

  A strong dependable go almost anywhere vehicle. Goes like a Mule and drives like one, as long as maintenence is kept up it will continue to go. Other than the electric rear window.

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  Overrated - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Gary - December 7 - 8:43 pm

  The milage ratings are overstated. 19.5 mpg is the best it gets. The lightness of the aluminum body lends to instability, both in the wind and during towing, along with being easier to dent. I was a Ford person for most of my life (owned more than 10) but owned a Dodge and a Honda since my last one. After owning my current F150, I am reminded that poor quality and unreliability is why I switched and todays poor quality is why I shant own another. There are just too many good vehicles made today to put up with Fords petty and persistent failings. At less than 23,000 miles, the speedometer quit working. Cruise control same story. The Dodge had almost 200K miles and the Honda 268K and none of the chicken s#@+ things happened like this Ford has had. Uncomfortable and hard to maintain the cleanliness of the cab (the fabric stains easily) is also annoying. All in all, (as you can see) I am not happy with Ford.)

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  Done at 3 years & 75K - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By smi6375 - December 7 - 10:56 am

  Lots of problems. Transmission lurches, rotor failures, rear hatch latch, poor CD player, dashboard electronics failures. Now electrical problems causing the car to die hard on the road. Took the dealer 3 days to find & fix a number of electrical problems due to worn/corroded wires & contacts. Yikes! This after only 3 years & 75K on hwy and in garage. Selling it while I still can...

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  Freestar vs Windstar 99 - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Boo Boo 99 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Windstar and loved it. Got rid of it because the transmission started to go. So I bought a Freestar SE for 16,500. The interior is more refined and it handles better on the road. The engine is quieter and the transmission much smoother. Bought the ext warranty. The SE model comes with the smaller engine. Acceleration is horrible compared to my old Windstar LX which had the larger V6. For that reason only get the upgraded FreeStar with the bigger engine. I am not excited about the Freestar but it beats 24,000 for an Honda Oddessy. If you can stand the acceleration the freestar is a bargin

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  Sensible Muscle Car - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Black Beauty - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the first CV Sport Models in 01. It is comfortable and sporty. Some women like it and some hate it. Being single I would prefer women like it. Its forboding and I get kidded about it looking like a police car. But what do they know! It is a very sensible car and I consider it a muscle car not unlike a Mustang although most women would perfer the Mustang. Rides great and handles well with fair gas milege.